A new specialty coffee spot for Main Beach.
A new specialty coffee spot for Main Beach.
As you’re no doubt aware, not all coffee is created equal and, while it has been our extremely over-caffeinated pleasure to indulge in many a quality Gold Coast cuppa over the last few years, it seems the stakes are continuing to rise and we are here for it.
Enter the latest contender on our local hit list, Jack’s Coffee Roasters, a specialty roastery bringing bulk good vibes and the tastiest of brews to Marina Mirage. Having only opened in the last few days, Jack’s has already been swamped with caffeine lovers keen to try something a little bit different on the shores of the Broadwater.
Let’s start by discussing the aesthetics of the place, because we know you love a pretty interior as much as we do and this one is certainly a goodie. The colour palette is made up of pastel pinks and greens with a sweet, while tiled floor and a bar made up of some of the prettiest tiles around.
Pendant lights hang low from overhead, a silver La Marzocco coffee machine takes pride of place and a neon sign reading ‘now brewing’ shines out from the back wall. The entire space is a pure delight.
Jack’s Coffee is roasted in Australia’s first custom-built roaster, built right here on the Coast, before it’s served at peak freshness, between seven and 14 days after roasting, giving all you coffee connoisseurs’ exactly what you came for.
Passionate about liquid gold, as they call it (as shall we from now on) the team at Jacks Coffee Roasters will serve up two bespoke house blends.
For those who prefer espresso, filter or black coffee, the Bold and the Beautiful is a smooth, well-balanced blend dominated by flavours of milk chocolate and a honey-like sweetness matched with a medium acidity.
The second blend, the Milk Knight has been created for the addition of milk with the coffee emulating notes of dark cocoa and nuts with hints of stone fruit shining through with low acidity. YUM to all.
Now, some of us over here are quite simple folk, fans of frothy cappuccinos all day long but we also understand we should probably branch out and Jack’s is just the place to do exactly that.
Not only will the team be serving up perfectly crafted espresso, they’ve also got all your Nitro, filter and cold brew needs covered and each and every cup is rich and flavoursome and some of the very best brews around.
Besides coffee (as if you need anything else in life) Jack’s are offering a tasty gourmet eats menu complete with home-style rustic sausage rolls and pies, French pastries, AND ham and cheese croissants sourced from a local French baker.
The breakfast menu (running until 1pm daily) boasts goodies like Jack’s Signature Big Breaky (very big and very tasty), Smashed Avo with Feta, Ricotta Hot Cakes with syrup AND gelato and Handmade Sourdough Crumpets.
So all the very best things.
Get there Gold Coasters, epic Insta-snaps and exceptional brews await.
LOCATION: Ground, Marina Mirage, Shop 14, 74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
HOURS: 7am until 9pm daily
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
Santa Claws has arrived early.
It always seems to be around this time of year, when the temperature rises and the seafood cravings set in, that we’re left scratching our heads as to where to find that perfect fresh-off-the-trawler fix.
But scratch no more, friend. Because that exciting moment has arrived, when crabs quite literally pop back up on our collective radars – this time thanks to the the launch of the King Crab Co. pop-up restaurant, at Marina Mirage.
Taking up residence on the ground floor, overlooking the Broadwater, the ‘Gold Coast’s first, American-style, pop-up crab den’ has so much more to offer than the opportunity to fish around for a sordid pun or two to dish up to your fellow diners.
Wait. What could surpass the sheer delight of inviting friends to a ‘pop-up crab den’?, you ask? Well, for starters, when everyone bibs up like a baby for the the main event – classic Louisiana-style, boiled crab – that’s an infinitely enjoyable moment too.
In case your mouth isn’t already watering, it’s worth elaborating that this signature offering is available two ways – either as the traditional ‘crab in a bag’ or chilled on ice accompanied by a range of butters and sauces. (Mmmm….butters.)
King Crab Co. co-owner, Karl Daniel, says his team have taken on board learnings from their Brisbane pop-up earlier this year, and will ‘one up’ the aphrodisia levels by offering twice as many main menu items and adding a live oyster shuck bar and wood roaster to the waterfront location.
So if for some weird reason, you’re not already scuttling to find your car keys, rest assured there’ll be plenty to lure you in to the ‘crab den’s’ depths, amidst the selection of fresh oysters, hot wood-fire pizzas and fresh seasonal side dishes.
Oh, and before you de-bib and regretfully retire all crab puns for the day, be sure to loosen your top button and try the house-made ice creams and desserts. Or even better, a creation from the tipple-worthy cocktail and spritz menu – which is a collaboration with Moet Hennessy.
Catch the best crabs – and freshest seafood – on offer this summer at King Crab Co. – opening Wednesday 12 December, on the Ground Floor of the Marina Mirage, Southport.
By Camilla Jones
It’s not often we get to discuss the stunning oceanside suburb of Main Beach but here we are with some absolutely next-level news. It comes in the form of a somewhat hidden gem, tucked inside Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, known as Oyster Bar. Until today that is.
The stunning space, complete with water views and some of the most exceptional eats on the Coast have given themselves a little makeover and will, from now on, be known as Oyster Bar & Grill.
The change comes with the decision to not only pay homage to the fresh, five-star oysters on offer there but the remainder of the menu, which boasts equally flavour-filled, extremely high quality dishes, straight off the grill.
Oyster Bar & Grill is an intimate space (30 pax) overlooking a section of Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort’s incredible water feature with the sparkling ocean and a perfectly placed lifeguard tower in the background. A fountain flows soothingly in the background and, all in all, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
To start your experience off on the right foot, you should absolutely treat yourself to an oyster shot complete with housemade bacon-infused vodka and tomato juice, Bloody Mary style. Trust us, it’s life-changing.
As you would expect, the oyster selection is perhaps the best on the Coast with five varieties that will leave you with one of the most difficult decisions of your dining life.
We recommend the Fresh Oysters with Lemon Pearls, which are straight from France and pop in your mouth leaving a fresh, citrusy taste perfectly paired with the succulent, mouthwatering sea morsels. You may also choose Prosecco Granita to top your freshies.
If cooked oysters are more your style, there are three choices including Mornay, Kilpatrick and Battered with Sriracha Mayonnaise and all of them are absolute flavour sensations.
From the grill, we suggest sampling the Cape Grim New York Strip for two because it’s served with a bottle of Stonehouse Cabernet Sauvignon and is the perhaps the most melt-in-your-mouth steak we’ve ever enjoyed.
From the sea, the Grilled NT Barramundi is simply stunning as are the Split North Queensland BBQ’d Prawns. Both cooked to perfection and with perfectly complimentary flavours.
Sides-wise (because one must always order sides), the Potato Puree with Confit Garlic, Heirloom Tomato Salad with Vincotta and Garlic Chips and Seasonal Greens with House Roasted Sesame dressing are your new favourite accompaniments.
If you have room for dessert, the Snickers Cheesecake with caramel fudge, Kingaroy peanut brittle and coffee gelato is a taste sensation and the Warm Callebaut White Chocolate Brownie with blood orange gel, caramel popcorn and Connoisseur ice cream are a delight.
A Sommelier was also brought in to choose new wines to accompany the standout menu and there is a Wines of Europe section that will have you planning your next wine tasting tour of Italy quick smart.
As you can see, Oyster Bar & Grill is a new favourite dining destination and, with Valentine’s Day coming up soon, the perfect spot for a date night with your beloved. Don’t miss it friends.
LOCATION: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, 71 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
HOURS: Monday to Thursday 5pm to 10:00pm, Friday and Saturday 12:00pm to 10:00pm and Sunday 12:00pm to 9:00pm
STORY SPONSORED BY SHERATON GRAND MIRAGE RESORT
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
There’s no denying that Main Beach is one of those postcodes that has everything going for it. Surrounded by million dollar surf views and sprawling green space one way and the Broadwater the other – you don’t have to be Sherlock Holmes to figure out why locals are so frond of flocking to this breezy, palm-flanked suburb.
Bursting at the seams with boutique shopping, dining, luxury accom and entertainment options (heck, it even boasts its own theme park), there is never any shortage of things to do, see, or eat.
The sky – or, more accurately, your credit card – is the limit.
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort
We’re not sure if it’s the salt air, but clearly something magic in the air happening here. One of the many mainstays in Main Beach’s strip – Sheraton Grand Mirage has been going strong as our go-to for all things pampering since well before we were old enough to pay for our own seafood buffet (#tear). Recently refurbed and looking more luxurious than ever, whether it’s treating ourselves to a staycay or simply perching up poolside for a few hours with the famous Pearls Bar high tea, Sheraton never misses.
Where: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, 71 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
Winey Cow
Just when we thought brunch couldn’t be any more perfect – its boozier, bottomless iteration entered the chat. Regardless of your enthusiasm for Croissant chilli scramble chased with several Spritz to start your day, Winey Cow does both with pizzazz. Bursting onto our brunch late last year, Mornington Peninsula’s famed crew of brekkie moo-vers and shakers arrived with awards out the wazoo and mimosas in hand. Next time you roll out of bed craving a Bagel Benny, Lobster Bao, or Bloody Mary, Main Beach’s bright and breezy brekkie gem has got you.
Where: 5/11 Woodroffe Ave, Main Beach
Imperial Hotel
Another luxury jewel in Main Beach’s crown, the Seaworld Dr landmark formerly known as the Palazzo Versace has housed many a high roller in its time. Of course, locals are equally welcome to swing by and soak up its spoils and waterfront views for a weekend or a few hours. If you’re in the mood for the latter, Le Jardin’s signature bubble-studded Imperial High Tea is an excellent starting point, or if you’re a sucker for a buffet, the opulent surrounds of Il Barocco Restaurant never disappoint.
Where: 94 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Sea World
Not merely a fixture of the Main Beach skyline and our childhoods, no matter how many birthdays pass us by, a trip to Sea World will always slap. Particularly so, because locals have the added perk of knowing the strategic times to sashay by (hello off season) for maximum thrillage and spillage (also hello, Storm Coaster front carriage #IYKYK). Swing by, spend a few hours chillin’ with the ocean critters, hit up a few rollercoasters, then bail with an ice-cream in hand. Happy days.
Where: Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
Holy Ship
What do you get when you take two fishing trawlers in need of some sea-rious TLC and a trio of swashbuckling restauranteurs? Main Beach’s swell new eats and sips concept, Holy Ship Bar & Restaurant… obviousea! Teaming up with co-owner Jake Ruttley, the brains behind former local gem, Tonic on Chirn, Kane and Yvette McCarthy, have certainly moved on to bigger and berther things. Launching twin floating venues earlier this year – the team has set their sights on bringing their signature grazing-style eats and sips to the sea! You even might spy the distinctive duo – decked out in cobalt blue and white – milling about the Broadwater on private function business when they’re not at home in their Marina Mirage mooring. Good times, ahoy.
Where: Birth 7&8 Marina Mirage, Marina Commercial arm, Sea World Drive, Main Beach
Peter’s Fish Market
Can you really call yourself a Gold Coaster ‘till you’ve bookended your spit hangs (or failed fishing expedition) with a pit stop at Peter’s Fish Market? Another absolute Seaworld Drive staple, this place has been churning out the fresh seafood, fish and chippies just a stone’s throw from the Broadwater for some 30 years now. Often heaving but always worth the wait, next time you feel the Sunday scaries coming on, pack a picnic rug and head here for a feed of famously crispy chippies, fresh prawns and some of the tenderest calamari going (or, BYOB for a chip butty by the sea – bliss).
Where: 130 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
Marina Mirage
Another of Main Beach’s long-standing draws, Marina Mirage has long been a local haven of all things fancy and foodie. The produce-packed farmers markets every Saturday are always fave, as are the stellar array of eateries and boutiques. Home to international and local labels such as Sonia Stradiotto Couture, when we’re in need of designer threads, Marina Mirage never fails to hook us up. When it’s world-class waterfront wining and dining we’re after, the likes of La Luna Beach Club, La Luna, Glass and Omeros Bros have got you sorted.
Where: 74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
That Beach Entrance
In addition to the more obvious allure of spectacular beaches, this saltwater blessed suburb just so happens to also be home to one of the GC’s most insta-famous beach entrances. Tucked just behind Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, you’ll find the particularly picturesque beach access path framed by its synonymous and oft-papped swaying palms. Even the most seasoned locals could never tire of being greeted by that view (or snapping just one more pic on those days when the weather is really turning it on).
Where: Head to Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort and look for the giant palms.
Rosé Gelateria
Dishing up dreamy interiors every bit as delicious as its artisanal ice-based confections, it’s little surprise this upscale ‘hood is now home to one of three boutique Rosé Gelateria locations. Joining its dusty pink-bathed big sis in Sanc Cove, head here to be greeted by swoon-worthy interiors and grab a scoop (or three) of house-made gelato or freshly brewed specialty coffee. With gourmet flavours like Passionfruit Pavlova and Fig and Mascarpone, gracing its rotation, there’s always something lush and lick-worthy with your name on it.
Where: 19/21 Tedder Ave, Main Beach
Tedder Ave
Spanning the length of the suburb’s residential end, Main Beach’s ever-bustling Tedder Ave strip is an icon that needs no introductions. Packed with boutique shopping, dining and sipping spots galore, it is nigh on impossible to ever be bored or hungry here. If you’ve got time to kill post beach walk, perch up and people watch one of the cute cafés, or swing by Main Beach Bakery for your sweet treat fix. In the latter half of the day, must-visit foodie hotspots like Greek gem Xenia, Domanis and fine dining seafood destination, Shuck help this lively hotspot really come into its own.
Where: Tedder Ave, Main Beach
Words by Kellie Leader
